Letters to the Editor

For Wednesday, October 31, 2012

POSTED: 1:30 a.m. HST, Oct 31, 2012

Democrats field poor candidates

We found it very amusing that some are so concerned about the alphabetical order of candidates listed on the ballot here in Hawaii. It seems that the vast majority of voters in our state just look for the (D) and pull the lever. Rest easy Hawaii, if President Barack Obama's name was printed upside down and on the back of the ballot, he'd still win in a landslide.

What really concerns us is the sheer madness of continually voting for a particular party with feckless candidates like U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono. We, as a country, are spinning out of financial control and our representatives keep voting for more and more reckless spending.

That this newspaper supports this irresponsibility is wrong-headed and totally lacking in the oversight so sorely needed from the fourth estate ("Hirono would serve well in U.S. Senate," Star-Advertiser, Our View, Oct. 28).

Hirono never met a spending bill she didn't like. That's just great for those with their snout in the public trough. The rest of us foot the bill.

Richard Rees
Kapolei

How to write us

The Star-Advertiser welcomes letters that are crisp and to the point (~150 words). The Star-Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length. Please direct comments to the issues; personal attacks will not be published. Letters must be signed and include a daytime telephone number.

The person who wrote, "When was the last time you heard from Mazie, on anything?" is speaking from pure ignorance (Star-Advertiser, From the Forum, Oct. 28). He needs to contact her. I do, and get as many as five e-mails a day in response.

I have never seen a politician as responsive as U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono. Even now, when she's here campaigning, I get e-mails from her office that I know she's had input into.

My experience in petitioning her often, on a wide variety of issues, is that she is 100 percent of the time on the right side of the issue, and on 90 percent of the bills, she is already a co-sponsor.

I suggest the writer grow up, read up and make an effort to take part as a citizen.

Tom Tizard
Kailua

You can test for synthetic drugs

The article, "Danger in Disguise" by Rosemarie Bernardo, correctly identified the dangers associated with synthetic drugs sold under names such as K2, Spice and Bath Salts (Star-Advertiser, Oct. 21). At this time, labs are not allowed to test for synthetic drugs in workplace drug testing, but tests are available for both Bath Salts and Spice at local labs.

Currently both federal and state laws do not allow workforce testing of all Schedule 1 or 2 drugs, which include common pain killers such as Oxycontin and Hawaii's recently added synthetic cannabinoids. A recent federal ruling shows some movement, however. Employers can ask for testing for any Schedule 1 or 2 drug, case-by-case, based on reasonable suspicion, post accident or safety issues.

Carl Linden
Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc.

Beaches tested for radiation

We commend any organization that works to remove trash from our island beaches. They need not cancel their efforts in fear of radioactive marine debris. The Department of Health has been testing beaches on each island for over a year and never found unusual radiation.

We have tested debris known to be from the Japan tsunami event and no radioactivity can be found above natural levels.

Our test results are the same as those from other coastal states. There is no reason to suspect that material swept out to sea before the nuclear release in Japan would be radioactive when it reaches our shores.

To provide added confirmation to beach cleanup volunteers, DOH has trained individuals from the Surfrider Foundation to use radiation meters and screen marine debris during that organization's regular debris removal efforts.

Mahalo to Surfrider and other non profits who continue to remove debris from our shores.

Someone once defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. We've experienced this so many times before with the University of Hawaii's football program, with precious few exceptions.

Step 1: Confidence of spring training.

Step 2: Media hype at the beginning of the fall practice.

Step 3: "We can't wait" as the season opener nears.

Steps 4 through 10: UH loses and loses. Then we go back to Step 1, sometimes with a new coach.

How long do we endure the same things over and over, expecting a different result?

The expense/benefit ratio for UH sports is a real consideration, especially with regard to travel expenses. These funds alone, to say nothing of the finances to fund all these programs, would be better used in boosting UH academics. That would make UH a magnet for those seeking a top-ranked education.

Dave Verret
Mililani

State should help farming

Multimillion-dollar corporations petition city and state governments for tax exemptions to build stores, factories, hotels and other businesses, stating that the people who work in these businesses will pay taxes, and the goods and services provided by them will add to the local economy.

The farmers of Hawaii want to grow and sell food. The state should consider giving the farming industry tax exemptions so that they can also contribute to the local economy.

I would very much like to buy locally grown foods. But it is difficult to find the markets because they are not open every day and some of them are not always easy to find.

So another way the city and state can help the farmers is to allow them to use city and state property, free of charge, where they can set up booths to sell their wares.

If the farmers markets were allowed to operate five or six days a week in easily accessible locations, I am sure it will have a huge impact on the local economy.

Wim Blees
Mililani

Why aren't sirens working?

What seems to be the problem with our civil defense sirens? It seems every time we have a potential disaster, many of them fail to function. Is maintaining these sirens the same as rocket science? I don't think so! Further, they are tested each month so problems should be detected then.

Now state Civil Defense wants the Honolulu Police Department to initiate the sirens, as their function is not a 24/7 manned activity. It's as though HPD doesn't have enough to do during emergencies.

State Civil Defense is a full-time function and it's Civil Defense's responsibility to keep the sirens maintained and functioning.

What if Saturday night had been a real disaster and we had loss of life? Who would then be responsible?

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the TERMS OF SERVICE. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. Because only subscribers are allowed to comment, we have your personal information and are able to contact you. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, email commentfeedback@staradvertiser.com.

If Monsanto & Syngenta were smarter and added a little solar manufacturing to their product line, Obama would not hesitate to give them a few billion dollars to squander.

on October 31,2012 | 06:02AM

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dontbelieveinmythswrote:

Farmers don't get help? What kind of taxes do farmers pay on their farmed land?

on October 31,2012 | 06:48AM

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Malaniwrote:

Farmers pay big time taxes. Because there is nothing they can do about it you don't hear them talking about it.

on October 31,2012 | 08:16AM

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wilikiwrote:

It's a land ownership problem. Farmer's can't get low long term leases unless land owners will dedicate their land to agriculture. There has to be adequate incentive for that dedication.

on October 31,2012 | 08:36AM

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benderwrote:

Doesn't Wim Bleese know that the city already provides numerous locationis for farmers markets? There are also farmers markets on private property that are open and free to the public. Much ado about a non-problem.

on October 31,2012 | 07:07AM

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peanutgallerywrote:

It's time to show Obama the door. The guy has been in campaign mode since we elected him four years ago. Unemployment has skyrocketed. Our debt has as well. He has been the most divisive President to get into the White House in our history. Not surprising as he had absolutely no experience. He has been dodging the media since facts have started to come out about Benghazi, and it looks like he's either completely incompetent or a liar.

on October 31,2012 | 04:44AM

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dedicatedteacher7wrote:

And you think Romney who is clueless about foreign policy and insults world leaders and women would be any better?

on October 31,2012 | 06:43AM

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dontbelieveinmythswrote:

Don't know, but... If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've alway gotten.

on October 31,2012 | 06:50AM

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benderwrote:

So if we go with Romney then we should expect even more jobs to go overseas. That's the extent of his foreign policy experience.

on October 31,2012 | 07:08AM

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tiki886wrote:

Obama is the one who sold Chrysler to the Italians who now want tot build cars in China! There's your communisty organizer for you!

on October 31,2012 | 07:14AM

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wilikiwrote:

Chrysler sells the cars manufactured in China to the Chinese. What's wrong with that?

on October 31,2012 | 08:37AM

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AmbienDazewrote:

so the italians who are slated to build our rail cars will be subcontracting them to china?

on October 31,2012 | 09:19AM

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tiki886wrote:

What's wrong? The jobs to manufacture the cars belong in AMERICA! Not China!

on October 31,2012 | 03:52PM

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wilikiwrote:

Chrysler manufactures cars in this country for Americans and not the Chinese... We should get that straight. They probably can't sell the Chinege made cars to Americans.... when they are not designed for Americans.

on October 31,2012 | 10:43PM

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Jonaswrote:

The auto maker has come out and said this is false. Don't believe Romney's ads.

on October 31,2012 | 10:24AM

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Anonymouswrote:

That is a blatantly false lie, and you know it! What is worse is that you are parroting the lie by Romney's supporters, when in fact the CEO of Chrysler stated that it was a false rumor, tiki886! Obama has had nothing to do with any American Car manufacturer being sold to anyone, such lies are unbecoming, but fools like you continue to spread them needlessly!

on October 31,2012 | 01:12PM

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dontbelieveinmythswrote:

As opposed to lining up in the unlimited unemployment line?

on October 31,2012 | 07:14AM

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pcmanwrote:

Obama has sent more jobs overseas than Romney has. 75% of GM cars are made in China. All the jobs lost in the US over the past 4 years under Obama have gone overseas. You don't see a shortage of goods and services in America, do you? That's because they are being done overseas, while at home, there are fewer jobs now than when Obama took charge. .

on October 31,2012 | 07:47AM

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Malaniwrote:

Yep, we dont see shortages of goods and services in America. What we do see are the cheaply made goods that is coming out from china. Yet America thinks we are getting a good deal. Even Japan make better quality goods.
And Obama said he wants to increase jobs here in American while giving the jobs else where other than America? No wonder China is lauging at us Americans. And here is the sad part. Obama uses inticing words and the people believe him and therefore vote him right back in Office. We're living in the last days and it will not get better no matter what anyone tries to tells us there is no way any man or woman on this earth can fix the problems that plague us. Now is the time for mankind to turn their eyes toward heaven and call upon the name of the Lord Thy God for help.

on October 31,2012 | 08:28AM

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Jonaswrote:

Give me a break

on October 31,2012 | 10:26AM

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Nevadanwrote:

Aloha Malani. Academic question: Where is heaven? In our Milky Way? In Andromeda? If not, how many light years from earth?

on October 31,2012 | 11:55AM

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peanutgallerywrote:

give up the Kool-Aid. you've got a serious problem.

on October 31,2012 | 06:58AM

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pcmanwrote:

As a businessman who delas with international and transnational organizations, he knows more about foreign countries than most average Americans. For a person who has lived in foreign countries at least twice in his life, he knows what it is like to live in an out of America, like most military service personnel. He is more personable than President Obama is when it comes to meeting and dealing with foreign leaders. He knew more about how the State and Defense Departments should operate than President Obama regarding the Benghazi incident. He will fix the broken policies that have been broken under President Obama, which President Obama doesn't even know about. Romney is not as clueless as Obama is.

on October 31,2012 | 07:42AM

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wilikiwrote:

Obama knows more about foreign cultures than does Romney. He spent part of his childhood in Indonesia. His father was an African. His mother spent much of her life overseas as well. Obama has restored respect and admiration for America overseas. People overseas would rather have Obama win than Romney. That shows you who would be better for international relations. Obama is a success story for the UH East-West Center.

on October 31,2012 | 08:43AM

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seriouswrote:

wiliki, talk to any European on the beach. They laugh when Obama said Greece should get their house in order---stop spending more than they make. His speech when he was a senator---deficits show poor leadership. I won't argue with that!!!!

on October 31,2012 | 09:24AM

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Jonaswrote:

I'm not sure if someone on the beach is the best place to get your information. Even the EU put austerity measures in place for Greece.

on October 31,2012 | 10:28AM

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seriouswrote:

They should have put it in place for USA! I guess I am a little less than happy. Just came back from the Ala Maoan shopping center --the Royal Hawaiin Band was playing--national anthem--guess who was the only one to stand--ME!!! Democrats!!!

on October 31,2012 | 12:05PM

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wilikiwrote:

The Greek recession is caused by excessive govt spending for the olympics. They figured that the Euro was a good way to get the financing that they needed. Europe needs to figure out ways to control this kind of spending.

on October 31,2012 | 10:40PM

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lee1957wrote:

My dad can beat up your dad!

on October 31,2012 | 11:59AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

Yea but my mom can beat up your dad.

on October 31,2012 | 02:49PM

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jekat2003wrote:

I spent some nights in a Holiday Inn...that doesn't mean I know jack about running a hotel

on October 31,2012 | 12:04PM

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Imagenwrote:

Unfortunately, voting for Romney and Paul is a vote of confidence for the while anglo saxon male mentality. Again, here we have a case where we will be voting for the better of the worse. Obama has my vote simply because he annoys me less than Romney. How about Jamaica; sound good? Isn't that where Stella got her grove back?

on October 31,2012 | 11:18AM

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localgirl2wrote:

in reply to decicated teacher 7. Yes, he can do better. He's NOT AGAINST WOMEN Madame.Obama isn't clueless about foreign policy?? Certainly he's run companies before turning around failing ones. If you don't think the USA has a REAL PROBLEM, then my typing this is in vain.

on October 31,2012 | 07:49AM

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Jonaswrote:

The USA may have a problem, but Romney is not the solution. Romney's whole religion relegates women to a subserviant role. He does not support equal pay rights for women. He is not pro-choice.

on October 31,2012 | 10:30AM

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Pacej001wrote:

Yes.

on October 31,2012 | 08:13AM

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typroctorwrote:

Yes teacher, I believe Mitt would be better than a community organizer.

on October 31,2012 | 10:30AM

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BluesBreakerwrote:

Employment is a lagging indicator. The cause was the financial crash that took place under Bush and Greenspan, when deregulation and proliferation of instruments like CDOs credit default swaps, mortgage-backed securities created by U.S. investment banks blew up here, in Asia and in Europe, leading to a global recession. The effect was massive unemployment.

How naive to think that the unemployment spike that began under Bush and was caused by his policies would simply end when Obama took office. The unemployment trend tracks with the recession, which follows a well-know cycle. This recession was the worst since the 1930s and didn't begin bottoming out here or anywhere until last year. Unemployment has been falling as the economy has recovered.

But the origins of this problem can be laid at the feet of Bill Clinton and Congress. Congress passed and Clinton signed several pieces of legislation that made possible all of the fraud and reckless behavior by insurance companies (e.g., AIG) and investment banks (Lehman Bros. GS, et al.) that led to the recession. These were the repeal of the Glass-Steagal Act and replacing it with the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act (also euphemistically known as the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999), along with the passage of the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000, which kept derivatives transactions, including those involving credit default swaps, free of government regulation.

Clinton and Congress also passed NAFTA, which opened the door to U.S. Corporations sending jobs to other countries.NAFTA lies at the heart of today's structural unemployment and erosion of the middle class.

on November 1,2012 | 07:02AM

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thoswrote:

It's time to quit blaming the current occupant of the White House. He is what he always was, an empty suit who cannot be called a has been because he never was. Masquerading aa a down trodden minority, he has in fact been served up on a silver platter a life of elitist ease, affluence and comfort -- a "life" in which he never had to find, much less hold down a job -- a "life" filled with one unearned promotion after another with the prospect of ZERO accountability. Why do you think he was able to get away with voting "present" so often or able to get away with spending his entire time in the U.S. Senate campaigning for president?
Nope. If we are looking to fix blame, we need travel no further than the nearest mirror. HIS presidency is OUR failing.
Fortunately we will soon have an opportunity to remedy our error by sending the current occupant packing and putting in his place a REAL president, one who does NOT spend so much time trying to escape his laborious duties by playing endless rounds of golf, shooting hoops, attending fund raisers, endlessly campaigning and taking expensive vacations on our dime.
We flunked our national intelligence test four years ago. Let us resolve not to repeat that ghastly mistake next Tuesday.

on October 31,2012 | 06:54AM

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benderwrote:

Exactly right. Let's get back to blaming the guy who really created our problem, that being George Bush. The GOP talking heads seem to have forgotten that, but then they never admitted it in the first place.

on October 31,2012 | 07:09AM

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tiki886wrote:

Even Oliver Stone is blaming Obama now for making the problem worse!!!

And Reagan started out with a 21.50% prime rate and 18.50% mortgage interest rates! It's going to be easy fixing Obama's mess. You just reverse every decision Obama has ever made! And poof! The world is a better place!

The WRITER claims he blamed carter. READ the article - he blamed DECADES of tax and spend. Carter's name never came up.

on October 31,2012 | 07:57PM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

The quotes were all Reagan. Nice try. If he wasn't talking about the Carter Administration, tell us who he was.

on October 31,2012 | 10:00PM

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Malaniwrote:

Yep, Obama said it all when he was campaigning. He would fix what George Bush got us into. Not only did Obama not fix anything he made is worse.
thos, you hit the nail right on its head when you use the word "Masuerading.' This fits Obama's agenda easily. A great post you posted.

on October 31,2012 | 08:37AM

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glory_glory_man_utdwrote:

No Bender, they haven't forgotten that...that is why George Bush is NOWHERE to be seen during this campaign. Same with Dick Cheney. Trust me, the Republicans want these guys' faces nowhere near this campaign.

on October 31,2012 | 08:59AM

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seriouswrote:

In all due respect, Chris Dodd and Barney Fink also have not shown their faces--they were the root of the recession---read ANY book on the subject.

on October 31,2012 | 09:39AM

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localgirl2wrote:

Amen thos! Then again, many in Hawaii as mentioned by another, just pull the D lever. No change for Hawaii. If it weren't my long, long, time family and home, (and I didn't enjoy the weather etc.) I'd probably leave. Hawaii IS my home.

on October 31,2012 | 07:53AM

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Jonaswrote:

Sounds like a description of Romney there. "an empty suit Masquerading aa a down trodden minority, he has in fact been served up on a silver platter a life of elitist ease, affluence and comfort -- a "life" in which he never had to find, much less hold down a job"

on October 31,2012 | 10:40AM

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Jonaswrote:

except for the minority part of course.

on October 31,2012 | 11:34AM

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Pacej001wrote:

Life of elitist ease= Punahou, Columbia, Harvard. If ever there was a hot house product, Obama is it.

on October 31,2012 | 04:05PM

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Malaniwrote:

And since it has always been a habit of Obama to shirt around to answer the questions he make those who asked forget that they asked and Obama skips merrily away again and again. These amnesia reporters need to be on top of Obama.

on October 31,2012 | 08:51AM

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Jonaswrote:

Again, an apt description of Romney.

on October 31,2012 | 10:57AM

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Wahiawamaukawrote:

Dave Verret is exactly right. College is supposed to be for higher education. Often times athletes are using a completely free college education in the hopes of becoming a proffessional athelete. I say any college athlete that drops out of college early to turn pro should have to reimburse every penny back to the school.

on October 31,2012 | 04:52AM

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lee1957wrote:

Don't see folks lining up to buy season tickets to watch the biology exam, do you?

on October 31,2012 | 12:02PM

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Wahiawamaukawrote:

You must have been in sports.

on October 31,2012 | 12:12PM

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seriouswrote:

You are correct--I enjoy watching college football. Much better than the million dollar pros. But just like the politicians---when Obama said he would get the unemployment rate down to 5%---should he give up his salary??? Or his wife's vacations at taxpayer expence?? Just watch, if he is not reelected the trips the First family will take ----just like Bill Clinton--to line up his $250,000 speeches.

on October 31,2012 | 12:11PM

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Wahiawamaukawrote:

So you are saying U of H actually makes money off of sports? Check the budget. It's a BIG NEGATIVE pal.

on October 31,2012 | 12:14PM

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Bdpapawrote:

To me, UH sports give me a sense of pride. It is one thing all of us can really call our own. That is why it is called "The HomeTeam!"

on October 31,2012 | 02:14PM

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falsewrote:

When Tom Tizard demonstrates that Hirono is pono, it is so. His credibility comes from a long history of working for and with Hawaiians. The source of ethics counts. My mother would have had a high regard for his contributions here and support of Mazie Hirono. Mahalo no e Tom.

on October 31,2012 | 05:57AM

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hawaiikonewrote:

The debates clearly showed who the better candidate is. That's why we have them. Do as you wish, but do it for the right reasons.

on October 31,2012 | 07:12AM

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benderwrote:

I disagree with Tom. I've contacted Mazie a couple of times. In both instances her responses only vaugely touched on my concern. Instead her staff seems to rely on reciting the history of a law and then thanking you for contacting her. I know it's hard for her to find good help but she should at least try. But when you consider John White is a former staffer, then you understand the qualify of work that comes from her office.

on October 31,2012 | 07:12AM

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pcmanwrote:

It will be interesting to find out who and how many partners and donors of PRP eventually get jobs from Caldwell if he is elected Mayor. Caldwell is against 'pay for play' so he should not be giving contracts to PRP partners or donors for rail or any other city construction project. Don't you think? I'm sure Mr Cayetano will follow the money if he loses to Caldwell.

on October 31,2012 | 08:07AM

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Imagenwrote:

Caldwell is against pay to play? Surely you jest pcman? Buddy, hate to tell you this but any one who thinks this is impaired; seriously!!!

on October 31,2012 | 11:26AM

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SomebodyElsewrote:

With you there, never got a response from Mazie, but also never got a response from Lingle, Abercrombie either. But you know who does respond? Brian Schatz, Marcus Oshiro, Senator Dan Inouye, and Will Okabe. Say what you will about their politics, but they respond to questions from their constituents. i think that speaks volumes. And, for the record, if Hirono is of sound mind and body, she did not represent that during the last debate. She seems confused and lacking perspective and understanding. I will miss Senator Akaka's presence in the Senate, no Hawaiians, no aloha...

on October 31,2012 | 10:22PM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

There once was a guy named Tom Tizard

Had a sister who looked like a lizard

And when no longer young

She could still use her tongue

And keep the guys warm in a blizzard.

on October 31,2012 | 08:59AM

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falsewrote:

Really.

on October 31,2012 | 05:14PM

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TMJwrote:

My kids receive letters from Santa that they know are real (just like the ones from Mazie). He also comes around once a year (or once every election cycle; just like Mazie) . I'm convinced that Mazie is the real Santa!

on October 31,2012 | 06:40AM

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quint34wrote:

Ho Ho Ho

on October 31,2012 | 07:05AM

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Malaniwrote:

And the stocking are still empty. ho ho ho lol

on October 31,2012 | 08:39AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

They wear the same size pants.

on October 31,2012 | 09:00AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

Of course Santa is real. Every year I leave out a cooler full of beer and poke in my front yard for him and the next morning the beer and poke are all gone.

on October 31,2012 | 09:15AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

UPW, not Santa.

on October 31,2012 | 09:42AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

I once met a man who claimed to be Saint Nick; I ask for ID but stead he flicked out his bic; Started this tale of women and beer; Not once did he look up at his reindeer; Offered me a Bud and fell off the roof; His reindeer came over and kicked him with his hoof.

on October 31,2012 | 12:57PM

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Bdpapawrote:

Thanks neighbor!

on October 31,2012 | 02:16PM

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loquaciousonewrote:

Your welcome. By the way the poke was from left over sashimi from last year's party. It might smell funny but it's the right color -- black.

on October 31,2012 | 02:51PM

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Bdpapawrote:

No problem just fry it up and add some shoyu!

on October 31,2012 | 04:03PM

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kainaluwrote:

Are there urine and blood tests for being ignorant, Carl Linden? Be sure to avoid taking that one. Way to advocate for more government intrusions into our personal lives. Iran is looking for a few good gestapo agents like you.

on October 31,2012 | 07:09AM

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tiki886wrote:

Whether you like it or not, employers both in the public sector and private sector have the right to demand drug testing of their employees for the benefit of the health and safety of the public.

on October 31,2012 | 07:24AM

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Malaniwrote:

Hey, I know some friends who are in the recovery drug program right now.But before that if you didn't know they were on drugs, you would have thought they were great politicians. Boy they had the mouth that could convice you they were always right. I wonder where they learned that from?
But I agee that employers have the right to demand drug testing.

on October 31,2012 | 08:44AM

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Imagenwrote:

AND, for the betterment and benefit of their staff and fellow workers.

on October 31,2012 | 11:27AM

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dontbelieveinmythswrote:

Richard Rees, The reason there is much ado about the alphabetical order is that, the illiterate people who are told who to vote for, won't know how many rows to count down to blacken the box.

on October 31,2012 | 07:19AM

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stefwrote:

IRT Tizard: seems funny that he did not cite ONE single example of what Hirono has done.

on October 31,2012 | 07:20AM

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soundofreasonwrote:

They're always emotion based comments. Facts cause them problems.

on October 31,2012 | 07:40AM

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localgirl2wrote:

Again this Tsunami, sirens sounded very weak. I had TV on as well as fan. I thought that the fan was making a noise. I muted the TV to hear. Nothing really attention getting. TV back to normal volume. Repeat 2 times. Nothing on TV station I was watching. Finally a call from neighbor asking if I knew. We both complained about the lack of audible, high pitched siren as we used to have. I call to 911 to find out and so many calls that were intercepted at initial phase. I was told it was a Tsunami, 2 hrs. and it was on TV, change channels. We are in flood zone so important to get the warning!
If this were an IMMINENT happening, it would be too late! Auwe

on October 31,2012 | 07:46AM

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glory_glory_man_utdwrote:

Thank the homeless for stealing the copper wiring from the siren units, thus rendering them useless....

on October 31,2012 | 09:05AM

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Publicbraddahwrote:

"Too much spent on UH sports". Dave, I agree with you 100%. If we truly want to make UH a top tier academic institution, we need to deprioritize sports in favor of directing monies to the academic side of the ledger. Drop sports to DII level which requires less money to operate. Until we do that, sports will always be a problem and academics will be a side issue.

on October 31,2012 | 07:55AM

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Mediocrateswrote:

Dave Verret is 100% correct. Why is the public paying millions of dollars to support a football program? It is outrageous - wether or not they win. And that says nothing about how utterly inappropriate it is to have this waste affiliated with a UNIVERSITY. A university that doesn't even have enough money to keep its library open for students - it is a shameful shameful commentary on our pathetic priorities.

on October 31,2012 | 07:56AM

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lee1957wrote:

The football program is self-sufficient, the athletic department is not. So to answer your question, the public is not paying millions of dollars to support a football program, unless you are talking about admission, pay per view, merchandising, etc.

on October 31,2012 | 12:09PM

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wilikiwrote:

Wim Blees has hope for more farmers. But few want to enther that field of work because it has few opportunities to grow anything of value that can compete against produce grown in the mainland. Farmer's markets will help but the real venue is private and perhaps he should visit Waipahu for that. Govt property is difficult to use because of legal issues. No one seems to have satisfactorily solved that problem.

on October 31,2012 | 08:33AM

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worldwrote:

Mazie Hirono is not in touch with the citizens. I have been to Washington DC and tried to meet with her and she won't take the time out of your day to meet with me and other physicians. This has happened multiple times. My mother was a Democratic State Senator for 25 years in another state so I have strong democratic ties. If you care about having access to health care, please vote for Linda Lingle. She understands to overwhelming paperwork and audits that are not about patient care but making praticing medicine more difficult. She supports lowering the cost of medicine with medical liability reform. We do not have enough physicians in Hawaii (we are 655 physicians short) and the problem is becoming worse, especially on the neighbor islands. We having been trying to replace a partner who left for months with no succes. Our State was in the bottom 3 out of the 50 states as being a good place for physicians to practice.

on October 31,2012 | 08:59AM

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seriouswrote:

Hawaii is at the bottom of most charts as are most Democratic states. Union leadership--negotiate on both sides of the table. When one thinks about it, Hawaii should attract the best of the best--best University, best tech companies, best oceanic engineering, etc. But we have a political temperment that over regulates, over taxes any business that wants to get a foothold. Look at the housing, multiple families in a one family home. An aging polulation and hospitals going broke!! We need CHANGE!!!! Golly that sounds like a good chant!!!

on October 31,2012 | 09:36AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

Mazie says she has always been a strong supporter of education. But for years and years our kids rank just above rural Alabama in test scores. So I guess she is well, ineffective as a supporter of education.

on October 31,2012 | 04:44PM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

As opposed to the Republican candidate who was Governor for 8 years? (cue up the excuses...GO!)

on October 31,2012 | 06:59PM

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wilikiwrote:

Democrats hope to implement a common medical database so that billing will be easier. Other reforms will make the doctors work easier..... Mazie should continue to support the ACA Act and Obama Care.